ARC Raiders Patch Notes 1.23.0 – April 8 Bug Fixes

ARC Raiders Update 1.23.0 Patch Notes: Bug Fixes, Vanguard Cosmetics, and More

ARC Raiders players have been eagerly awaiting Update 1.23.0, and as of April 8, 2026, the patch is now live on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Embark Studios pushed the release back by one day from its originally planned April 7 date, but the wait was worth it — the update delivers a targeted round of bug fixes addressing some of the most disruptive issues introduced by the major Flashpoint update that launched on March 31. Whether you've been struggling with Trigger Nades dealing absurd damage or weapons firing without input, this patch has answers.

According to Game Rant, the update weighs in at approximately 1.2 GB and also brings a brand-new Vanguard cosmetic set for players looking to refresh their look. Here's everything you need to know.

What Is ARC Raiders and Why Is It Trending?

ARC Raiders is a cooperative extraction shooter developed by Embark Studios, best known in 2025 for winning Best Multiplayer at the 2025 Game Awards — a major recognition that helped cement its place in the competitive live-service gaming landscape. The game pits squads of players against deadly ARC machines in a post-apocalyptic world, blending PvE extraction mechanics with intense cooperative gameplay.

The game has maintained momentum through a steady cadence of major content updates in 2026. The roadmap has included four key releases: Headwinds in January, Shrouded Sky in February, Flashpoint on March 31, and now the 1.23.0 bug fix patch. Each update has brought new map conditions, threats, and gameplay systems — but with big updates come bugs, and Flashpoint introduced a few particularly painful ones that Update 1.23.0 is here to address.

Full ARC Raiders 1.23.0 Patch Notes: Key Bug Fixes

The centerpiece of this update is a focused list of bug fixes targeting issues that emerged after the Flashpoint launch. Here's a breakdown of the most significant changes:

Trigger Nade Triple Damage Bug — Fixed

One of the most impactful bugs in the post-Flashpoint environment was a Trigger Nade exploit where detonating grenades next to each other would cause them to deal three times their intended damage. This made coordinated nade stacks wildly overpowered and disrupted the game's balance significantly. Embark has now corrected this behavior, returning Trigger Nades to their intended damage output.

Automatic Weapon Firing — Fixed

Another frustrating issue caused weapons to fire automatically without player input under certain conditions. This bug was disorienting and potentially dangerous in high-stakes extraction situations. The 1.23.0 patch addresses this directly, restoring expected weapon behavior.

Item Swap Fire Delay — Fixed

A more subtle but equally annoying bug caused items not to be used immediately when a player was holding fire and then swapped to them. This affected the responsiveness of gameplay in fast-paced encounters. The fix ensures items activate as intended upon swap.

Rocketeer Audio — Restored

Perhaps the most talked-about quirk from the Flashpoint update was an unintentional audio change to the Rocketeer enemy, which had started mimicking the sounds of the Vaporizer ARC. As reported by MSN, this was confirmed to be a bug — not an intentional design choice — and players who had started petitions to keep the new sounds can officially stand down. The Rocketeer's audio has been adjusted back to its original profile.

New Content: The Vanguard Cosmetic Set

Beyond bug fixes, Update 1.23.0 introduces the Vanguard cosmetic set, a new collection of cosmetics that gives players fresh ways to customize their Raiders. While Embark has kept specific details about the set's full contents close to the chest in terms of individual piece descriptions, the set is available with today's patch drop.

If you're planning to dive into the new cosmetics on console, having the right setup makes a difference. A quality PS5 controller or an Xbox Series X controller can enhance your overall experience, especially during the challenging new Trials content also running this week. For PC players, a reliable gaming headset for PC will help you catch the restored Rocketeer audio cues in the field.

For more details on the cosmetic set's full contents, Beebom's patch notes breakdown provides a comprehensive look at what's included.

ARC Raiders Trials Week: April 6–12

Coinciding with Update 1.23.0's release is the ongoing ARC Raiders Trials week, running from April 6 through April 12, 2026. This week's Trials content is reportedly among the most difficult yet, presenting a significant challenge even for veteran players. If you haven't tackled Trials before, this is a high-stakes week to start — but also potentially one of the most rewarding.

Communication is essential in Trials runs. If you're playing with a squad, consider upgrading to a gaming headset with mic to coordinate effectively. For console players going long sessions, a controller charging station keeps you powered through extended play without interruption.

ARC Raiders 2026 Content Roadmap Recap

Update 1.23.0 marks a checkpoint in what has been a packed first quarter of 2026 content for ARC Raiders. Here's a quick look at how the year has unfolded so far:

• January 2026 — Headwinds: Introduced the Buried City map condition and a new 1v3 matchmaking system, shaking up the standard squad format.
• February 2026 — Shrouded Sky: Brought new ARC threats into the rotation alongside the Hurricane map condition, raising the environmental danger level.
• March 31, 2026 — Flashpoint: The biggest update of the quarter, introducing the Vaporizer ARC, the Close Scrutiny map condition, and a wave of new cosmetics — along with the bugs that 1.23.0 now fixes.
• April 8, 2026 — Update 1.23.0: A focused hotfix patch with gameplay corrections, audio restoration, and the new Vanguard cosmetic set.

Embark Studios has demonstrated a commitment to maintaining the game's health post-launch, and the quick turnaround on Flashpoint bugs — just eight days later — reflects that priority.

How to Download ARC Raiders Update 1.23.0

The update should download automatically if your console or PC is set to auto-update. If not, here's how to grab it manually:

• PS5: Go to your game library, highlight ARC Raiders, press Options, and select "Check for Update."
• Xbox Series X/S: Navigate to My Games & Apps, find ARC Raiders, press the Menu button, and select "Manage game and add-ons," then check for updates.
• PC (Steam): The update should apply automatically when you launch Steam. If not, right-click the game in your library and select "Properties" > "Updates."

Remember the file size is approximately 1.2 GB, so plan your download time accordingly — especially on slower connections before a gaming session.

Frequently Asked Questions

What platforms is ARC Raiders Update 1.23.0 available on?

Update 1.23.0 is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC as of April 8, 2026.

Why was the 1.23.0 update delayed?

The update was originally scheduled for April 7, 2026 but was pushed back one day by Embark Studios. The studio did not provide a detailed public explanation for the delay, though it is common for last-minute quality checks to shift release dates slightly.

Did the Trigger Nade bug get fixed in this update?

Yes. The bug that caused Trigger Nades to deal three times their normal damage when detonated next to each other has been fully addressed in Update 1.23.0.

Is the Rocketeer audio change permanent?

No. The Rocketeer audio change was confirmed to be an unintentional bug introduced in the Flashpoint update, not a deliberate design decision. Update 1.23.0 restores the Rocketeer to its original audio profile.

What is the Vanguard cosmetic set in ARC Raiders?

The Vanguard cosmetic set is a new collection of customization options for Raiders introduced alongside Update 1.23.0. It's the primary new content addition in this patch beyond the bug fixes.

Conclusion

ARC Raiders Update 1.23.0 is a tight, focused patch that demonstrates Embark Studios' responsiveness to community feedback. By addressing the most disruptive bugs from the Flashpoint rollout — including the triple-damage Trigger Nade glitch, automatic weapon firing, and the Rocketeer audio mixup — within just over a week of the original update, the studio shows it's actively invested in keeping the game balanced and enjoyable. Tack on a new Vanguard cosmetic set and you have a worthwhile download for any active player.

With the April 6–12 Trials week still ongoing and reportedly featuring some of the toughest challenges yet, now is a great time to jump back in with a cleaner, more stable build. Keep an eye on Embark's official channels for the next major content update as the 2026 roadmap continues to unfold.